25 Best Things to Do in Toronto for First-Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to Toronto? You’re in for an incredible experience! Toronto is a large, vibrant, multicultural city with endless opportunities to explore. Think parks, beaches, museums, restaurants, concerts, and sporting events – there’s always something happening here.
In this guide to “Things to do in Toronto for First Time Visitors,” I’ll share ideas to help you plan your trip.
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Toronto Guide: Top Things to Do and See
Looking for the best things to do during your visit? As a local, I’ve put together a list to help you decide. While there are many hidden gems in the city, this list includes the main Toronto tourist attractions.
With so many things to do in Toronto, this guide will help you see why Toronto is such a fantastic destination. Let’s get started!
Plan Your Trip to Toronto with my Favourite Resources
✓ Favourite Hotel in Toronto: Sheraton Centre Toronto Downtown
✓ Best Toronto Tour: City Sightseeing Hop on Hop Off Bus
✓ Best Day Tour to Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake
1. CN Tower
The CN Tower is Toronto’s most recognizable landmark. It dominiates the city skyline and is an iconic symbol of the city. I do believe a visit to the CN Tower is worth adding to your “must-do” list in Toronto.
There are two observation levels with incredible 360-degree views of Toronto and Lake Ontario through floor-to-ceiling windows. I have been up the tower many times and I still believe Toronto is a pretty impressive city to see from above!
If you are brave enough, try the EdgeWalk, where you can step outside and walk around the tower’s roof for an added thrill.
2. Centre Island and the Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are next on my list. It may surprise you to know that just 15-minute ferry ride will take you from a huge city to a 560 acre pedestrian-only park. The Toronto Islands are 5 km wide and connect 15 different islands.
With so many things to do on the Toronto Islands including excellent beaches, beautiful gardens, trails, and plenty of activities like kayaking and cycling, I have been visiting the Islands with my family for years.
If you are visiting with young kids, there’s also a small amusement park, Centreville, on Centre Island. And of course, you won’t want to miss the views of the Toronto skyline from all around the islands.
3. Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s largest museum and the best family-friendly attraction in Toronto.
With four floors and 40 gallery spaces, it houses over 13 million objects, including art, cultural artifacts, and natural history specimens.
My favourite galleries include the gallery of Gems and Gold, The Age of the Dinosaurs exhibit, and the Gallery of China. The ROM is definitely worth a visit if you enjoy museums! It’s also a great spot to visit on a cold or rainy day in Toronto.
☞Local Tip: Buy Your Tickets to the Royal Ontario Museum Now and avoid the long lines at the door.
4. St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market in downtown Toronto is a historic landmark loved by locals and visitors alike. This two-story market is full of independent vendors selling groceries, food, and souvenirs.
We come here frequently – for baked goods, smoked meat sandwiches, pasta, cheese – the list goes on and on! Bring cash though as many of the vendors don’t accept credit card.
Pick up a coffee, a peameal bacon sandwich, or a delicious treat, and enjoy it at the picnic tables outside while soaking up the Toronto atmosphere.
5. The Distillery District
The Distillery District is a charming pedestrian-only area set in a former Victorian-era whisky distillery. With over 85 shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries, it’s a favourite spot to explore year-round.
In the winter, the Distillery Winter Village is one of Toronto’s most popular Christmas activities.
I always bring visitors to the Distillery when they are in town as it’s an interesting place to pick up unique souvenirs, enjoy a great meal, admire the architecture, and take some Instagram-worthy photos.
6. Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of North America’s largest art museums, featuring over 120,000 works in its 583,000-square-foot space. The AGO attracts around a million visitors each year.
Highlights include pieces by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol, along with an impressive collection of Canadian art. I enjoy visiting the AGO so much, I have actually purchased an annual pass.
This large museum is ideal for art lovers and is ideal for visitors looking for a cultural experience.
☞ Interested to learn more about the AGO? Read my Art Gallery of Ontario Guide for everything you need to know before visiting.
7. Nathan Phillips Square – The Toronto Sign
Nathan Phillips Square, in the heart of downtown Toronto, is home to the iconic Toronto Sign. Originally built for the 2015 Pan Am Games, it quickly became one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Every time visitors come to Toronto we head down to city hall to take some photos with the three-meter-tall letters. You can usually sit or stand on them and they make for a fun photo to remind you of your time in the city.
If you are visiting in winter, get ready to go ice skating! The square transforms into one of Toronto’s best outdoor skating rinks. It’s free to skate and skate rentals are available if you need them. A stop at the Toronto Sign is an must-visit stop on your trip to the city.
8. Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame, located across from Union Station, is a must-visit for hockey and sports fans.
It houses the world’s largest hockey collection and as a hockey fan, it was very cool standing in front of the one-of-a-kind Stanley Cup! Inside you will also find artifacts dating back to the sport’s origins.
Interactive activities, like testing your hockey skills against life-sized animated goalies, make it a fun place to visit in Toronto for kids and adults alike.
It’s a great way to dive into hockey history and culture while having some hands-on fun!
☞ Buy Your Tickets to the Hockey Hall of Fame Now
9. Kensington Market
Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, blending residential charm with over 240 unique businesses.
Our family likes to come here for the awesome vintage shopping, diverse food options, and the laid-back community vibe.
From May to October, Pedestrian Sundays transform the area into a car-free zone, perfect for strolling and soaking in the lively atmosphere.
There is definitely a cool vibe in Kensington and it’s a must-visit tourist destination for shopping, food, and people-watching.
☞ Looking for another awesome Toronto neighbourhood to visit? Check out the Beaches neighbourhood with its 3 km boardwalk along Lake Ontario, huge beach, and lots of excellent restaurants and patios on Queen Street.
10. Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a historic castle built in 1914 and one of Toronto’s most popular tourist attractions. Explore its stunning property, three floors of elegant rooms, towers, and hidden tunnels beneath the castle.
Personally, my favourite part of Casa Loma are the views from the two towers and the beautiful gardens around the property. A day at Casa Loma is worth considering for those who love history and architecture.
Beside Casa Loma, stop by the Baldwin Steps with an awesome view of downtown Toronto or the Spadina Museum, one of Toronto’s many free museums, right next door.
☞ Visiting Toronto during the winter holidays? Casa Loma is especially magical at Christmas and worth adding to your winter itinerary.
11. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, located next to the CN Tower, is home to over 20,000 aquatic animals from around the world.
Highlights include the underwater tunnel with a moving conveyor belt, the colourful Rainbow Reef, and the Canadian Waters exhibit, featuring 17 different habitats.
The aquarium is particularly popular for those visiting Toronto with children.
☞ Buy Your Tickets to Toronto’s Aquarium Now
12. Harbourfront Centre & Toronto Waterfront
Located on the edge of Lake Ontario in the heart of downtown, Harbourfront Centre and the Toronto Waterfront is a relaxing spot to visit when in Toronto.
I often come down to the waterfront for a stroll. I bring a coffee and enjoy the views from the HTO Beach or Sugar Beach. I also recommend watching one of the free outdoor concerts in the beautiful Music Gardens. Visiting in winter? The free skating rink has incredible views of the CN Tower.
You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and options for a Toronto Harbour Cruise. The nearby ferry terminal also makes it easy to visit the Toronto Islands for even more adventure.
13. Sightseeing Bus Tour
If a number of these places and attractions appeal to you, consider purchasing a ticket for Toronto’s Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Tour. This double-decker bus stops at many of Toronto’s top downtown attractions.
Major stops include the CN Tower, Casa Loma, the ROM, the AGO, Kensington Market, St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery. Even as a local, I really enjoyed taking the hop on hop off bus around Toronto. I even learned some interesting facts I hadn’t known before!
It is an excellent way to familarize yourself with the city and is ideal for first-time visitors to Toronto.
☞ Buy Your Ticket for the Hop on Hop Off Bus Toronto Now
14. Evergreen Brick Works
Evergreen Brick Works, a former brick factory, has been transformed into a vibrant environmental hub. The site features heritage buildings, parklands, and a year-round farmers’ market and gardening store.
This is one of my top favourite places to visit in Toronto. It has walking trails, a winter skating rink, and a cozy café with an outdoor patio. It’s a perfect escape in the heart of Toronto.
Bring the kids to see turtles in the natural ponds or walk to the Governor’s Bridge Lookout for spectacular views, especially in the fall. It such a peaceful and interesting place to visit.
15. High Park
High Park, Toronto’s largest park at 99 acres, is perfect for those who enjoy exploring nature and relaxing outdoors.
It’s home to hiking trails, gardens, Grenadier Pond, and family-friendly attractions including a small zoo, splash pad and playgrounds.
In the spring, High Park is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Toronto. High Park is ideal for those who enjoy walking, cycling, or picnicking in the park.
16. Trillium Park
Trillium Park, not far from Harbourfront and the Canadian National Exhibition, is a beautiful 7.5-acre green space on Toronto’s waterfront.
It’s one of the best places to take in Toronto’s incredible skyline views without needing a ferry ride.
Perfect for a walk, a picnic, or simply soaking in the views, it’s a hidden gem for first-time visitors. Coronation Park and Inukshuk Park are also interesting spots to visit on your way to Trillium Park.
17. Beaches Neighbourhood and Woodbine Beach
The Beaches is my neighborhood, and it’s full of things to see and do in Toronto’s east end. Woodbine Beach is great for swimming, beach volleyball, or relaxing by the water.
Stroll along the 2 km wooden boardwalk by the lake or head to Queen Street and visit one of the many excellent outdoor patios in the Beaches. It’s a really pretty area year round.
In spring, the parks and gardens are in full bloom. In winter come check out the Winter Art Installations or take the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day.
This is also one my favourite spots in Toronto to see the autumn colours.
18. The Bata Shoe Museum
The Bata Shoe Museum is one of Toronto’s most unique attractions. Showcasing the world’s largest collection of footwear and related artifacts, it celebrates the style, history, and function of shoes spanning 4,500 years.
With nearly 15,000 items across four galleries it’s a unique and impressive museum, perfect for fashion or history enthusiasts. Plus, admission is free every Sunday!
Great spot if you are looking for something completely unique and different.
☞ Buy Your Tickets to the Bata Shoe Museum Now
19. Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square)
Yonge-Dundas Square, now named Sankofa Square, is a unique place in downtown Toronto. Known as the city’s answer to Times Square, it’s surrounded by massive digital billboards and hosts a number of events throughout the year.
It is right beside the Eaton Centre shopping mall and is the first stop on Toronto’s Sightseeing Bus Tour.
This interesting spot is worth a quick photo, but I wouldn’t put this high on my list of things to do as there isn’t actually a lot to do here.
20. Little Canada
Little Canada is a unique and impressive indoor attraction that brings Canada to life in miniature form. Spanning 45,000 square feet, it features destinations like Little Niagara, Little Toronto, Little Ottawa, Petit Québec, and more.
At first I thought this was just a typical tourist trap, but I couldn’t have been more wrong! The attention to detail is incredible, with moving trains, cars, and day-to-night transitions in every scene.
And it’s not just for kids. I was amazed at how much I enjoyed this attraction. A visit here is certainly a fun and memorable way to explore Canada without leaving Toronto!
☞ Curious to learn even more? Read my Little Canada guide to get all the details about this new Toronto attraction.
21. Take a Day Trip to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, less than two hours from Toronto, is an ideal and unforgettable day trip from Toronto. We go to the falls regularly and is a frequent day trip for our family.
You can marvel at the Falls, take a Niagara boat cruise, or visit attractions like Journey Behind the Falls or the Butterfly Conservatory.
If you have extra time, stop by the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake or explore one of the Niagara’s incredible wineries.
It’s one of my favourite spots in Ontario and a great addition to your Toronto itinerary!
☞ Planning a visit to Niagara? Check out all my Niagara Falls articles including best hotels, things to do with kids, and how to buy attraction tickets.
22. The Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo, located in Rouge Valley Park, is one of my favourite places to visit, especially with kids.
Home to over 3,000 animals from 300 species, it features 10 km of walking trails to explore.
Open every day of the year, the zoo offers plenty to do, from animal exhibits to a splash pad in the summer, animal feedings and on-site restaurants.
It’s a bit of a trip from downtown, so you will have to plan accordingly, but it’s well worth the visit if you enjoy zoos.
23. Professional Sports in Toronto
If you enjoy watching sports, Toronto is the city for you! We have Blue Jays baseball, the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey, Raptor’s basketball, The Rock lacrosse, and also the professional women’s hockey league.
There are so many opportunities to enjoy and watch spots in Toronto. We also have some awesome sports bars in the city that play sports from around the world.
24. Concerts and Theatre
Toronto hosts some of the best music concerts in the world. From Taylor Swift to Billy Joel to Post Malone – the list goes on and on.
We have large venues like the Rogers Centre and the brand new outdoor venue, Rogers Stadium. You can also find small and intimate venues like HISTORY or the Danforth Music Hall as well. It’s an awesome place to watch your favourite performer.
Toronto also has a great theatre scene. Famous shows like Hamilton, Come from Away, Les Miserables, the Lion King, have all performed in Toronto.
No matter when you visit, there is always an event, performance, or sporting event taking place in the Six. If you are looking for lots of entertainment options in addition to attractions, Toronto is the perfect city to visit!
25. Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum is a unique museum in Toronto. It’s dedicated to showcasing Muslim cultures and their connections with others.
Its collection includes over 1,200 stunning masterpieces, from manuscripts to ceramics, spanning the 9th to the 21st century.
While it’s not in the most central location, planning a visit is well worth the effort for those who enjoy museums and are interested in learning more about Muslim cultures.
☞ Did you know you can visit the Aga Khan for free? My guide to free museums in Toronto shares this tip and many more! Read all the details for visiting Toronto’s epic museums.
Is the Ontario Science Centre Open? (Closed 2024)
No. The Ontario Science Centre, a long-time family favourite attraction, unfortunately closed permanently in 2024.
It is expected that the Science Centre will reopen in it’s new Ontario Place location in 2029.
What about Ontario Place?
Ontario Place is another Toronto attraction that closed some time ago. It is currently undergoing a significant redevelopment. Trillium Park and Budweiser Stadium are the only parts of Ontario Place that are currently accessible to the public.
Visiting Toronto for the First Time
This list is perfect for tourists and first-time visitors to Toronto, covering the city’s major landmarks and attractions.
With a mix of museums, parks, gardens, beaches, and neighbourhoods, this list is just a taste of everything that makes Toronto special.
As a local, I know there’s so much more to explore in Toronto, but this guide is a great starting point.
If you’re looking for suggestions of how to tie it all together, check out my perfect three-day Toronto itinerary to help plan your visit!
If you are looking for things to do in Toronto in various seasons, here are some additional articles:
✓ Things to do in Toronto in Spring
✓ Things to do in Toronto in Summer
✓ Things to do in Toronto in Winter
✓ Things to do in Toronto in Fall
✓ How to spend One Day in Toronto: Perfect Itinerary for First Time Visitors
